Procurement with purpose: Northumberland residents benefit as NEPO secures over £16 million in social value for North East communities and environmental projects
DIY projects, volunteering and donations to support underprivileged children are some of the social value initiatives delivered and secured through NEPO’s strategic procurement solutions, driving real community change.
North East based procurement organisation, NEPO, has released its fourth annual social value report, revealing over £16m in social value impact, as well as hundreds of hours invested in training and volunteering projects, has been secured in partnership with its members and suppliers to the region's local communities, people and the environment.
The report highlights NEPO’s longstanding commitment to the North East and reflects the work Member Authorities and suppliers have undertaken as part of a shared desire to support social development. Across the 2024-2025 programme of procurement renewals, NEPO secured social value outcomes with suppliers committed to delivering jobs and apprenticeships, supporting communities, investing in supply chains and reducing carbon emissions.
Procurement legislation places greater emphasis on social value impact
The report covers the period from August 2024 to July 2025, during which new legislation came into force under The Procurement Act 2023 (PA23), giving greater importance to social value outcomes when awarding procurement contracts.
Through the implementation of systems such as the Open e-procurement platform, NEPO has continued to ensure that social value remains at the heart of its procurement projects, providing more transparent reporting.
Working in partnership with Member Authorities, suppliers and other key stakeholders, NEPO’s social value report details tangible social value outcomes across the region in addition to the £16m in local supply chain spend, including:
- 426 hours supporting unemployed people into work
- 12 local people employed in full time positions
- 474 hours of teaching support in local schools and colleges
- 26 weeks of apprenticeship training
- 283 hours of volunteering for local community and environmental projects
- 40 tonnes of carbon saved through CO2 emissions
Turning contracts into community impact for Northumberland residents
The Social Value Impact Report highlights suppliers excelling in social value commitments through partnerships with NEPO Member Authorities and local communities.
Compass Developments were awarded the contract to replace fire doors at Tynedale House residential care home under the NEPO Construction Works solution by Northumberland County Council.
Compass went beyond its core responsibilities by integrating community support and wellbeing initiatives into its project delivery. This commitment was demonstrated through several activities including 30 hours of volunteering to support DIY projects, and weekly coffee mornings to help build relationships with residents, reduce isolation and improve social interaction.
Resident feedback highlighted the positive impact of Compass’ involvement noting that their efforts ‘made a real difference’ to the atmosphere and facilities within Tynedale House.
Compass also donated funds to the Empire School of Boxing in Blyth, supporting equipment and training for underprivileged children.
EDF Energy, NEPO’s Electricity solution provider, organised a volunteering day at Northumberland College Zoo in Kirkley, Northumberland. This initiative brought together NEPO and EDF Business Solutions colleagues for hands-on support of the zoo’s animal care and biodiversity efforts.
The day included a guided tour, feeding squirrel monkeys and de-weeding animal enclosures to promote healthy grass growth for animals like alpacas, goats, donkeys, and Shetland ponies.
James Lusby, Senior Relationship Manager at EDF Energy, said: “We’re proud to deliver reliable electricity to public sector buildings in the North East while supporting local communities and promoting social and environmental benefits.”
Nicola Shelley, Managing Director at NEPO, said: "At NEPO, creating lasting value is at the heart of everything we do. By working collaboratively with our Member Authorities, suppliers and partners, we can deliver meaningful Social Value outcomes that support communities, strengthen local economies and maximise public value across the North East.
"This collective approach means that procurement becomes more than a process; it becomes a powerful tool for positive change. Through strong partnerships, innovative solutions and a shared commitment to doing things the right way, we are proud to be delivering real, measurable benefits."
Looking ahead: Greater social value prominence brings more opportunities
With PA23 legislative change that came into effect in early 2025, the role of social value when awarding contracts has a greater importance, bringing with it new opportunities. NEPO plan to take advantage of these opportunities, with enhancements to their Open system, and more collaboration with Member Authorities to understand local needs and testing of new ESG models for social value delivery.
To read NEPO’s full 2025 Social Value Impact Report visit: www.nepo.org/social-value.